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Egypt as a Monster in the Book of Ezekiel

Forschungen zum Alten Testament 2. No. 76


Parables and Rhetoric in the Sermon on the Mount

By: Nafwat Marzouk
October 2015
Mohr Siebeck
Distributed by Coronet Books
ISBN: 9783161532450
305 Pages, Illustrated
$129.50 Paper original


Description:

Safwat Marzouk makes reference to the monster theory and the ancient middle eastern theme of "Chaos campaign" and shows that the paradoxical nature of the category of the beast, is the reason why Egypt is represented in Ezekiel as a sea monster. Although it seems from the outside looking in, as if the monster embodies sheer otherness, including is a disturbing similarity. 

Although the monster defeated and mutilated his body, it will never be completely destroyed. Egypt is represented in Ezekiel as a sea monster, because Egypt embodies the threat of religious assimilation. Although this monstrosity Egypt was originally designed for a common identity elements between Egypt and Israel, the Prophet transformed this representation of the monster to represent Egypt as monstrous other. In a battle myth YHWH defeated the monster and mutilated his body.